Journal of International Law & Human Rights

Legal Failures and Social Realities: Why Domestic Violence Persists Despite Statutory Protections in Pakistan’s Legal System

2026-01-05T06:42:28+00:00

Although in Pakistan statutory safeguards against domestic violence are gathering momentum in federal and provincial acts in Islamabad capital territory (ICT), Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) they still remain common and unreported. The data of national surveys indicate that approximately 1 out of 3 married women have witnessed some type of spousal violence with conviction rates to gender-based violence cases being as small as 1-2.5 per cent. (HRCP 2024). The article uses a socio-legal approach to analyze how domestic violence has remained a constant problem in Pakistan under this seemingly protective legal system. It creates its argument based on statutory analysis, data on survey as well as reports by the Pakistani and international human rights organization that the entire issue is not provided in the law daily but through failures in implementation, strong-seated patriarchal system, and a two-tier system of justice, as well as structural hindrances of access to justice. The article ends with recommendations that should be taken to bring the legal commitments of Pakistan into close with reality on-the-ground measures, institutional reforms, survivor-based procedures, investing in shelters and legal aid, and changing social norms by education and media.

Interpreting Paid and Deposited Pursuant to Section 34 of the Land Acquisition Act of 1894: A Legal and Judicial Analysis

2026-01-05T03:31:16+00:00

The paper will discuss the law and the judicial interpretation of the sections 31 and 34 of the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 in Pakistan regarding payment of compensation amount to persons interested/land owners on a timely manner. It brings forth legal difference between paid and deposited compensation amounts; where direct payment can be made, the former (paid) compensation is tendered, whereas the latter (deposited) is brought to the competent Court. Section 34 charges penal interest (8% compound in Punjab, 6% simple in KPK and Sindh, whereas 15% simple in Balochistan under section 28) to protect landowners/persons interested on account of delayed payment of compensation amount. By studying the changes in the legislation, procedures and apposite case law, the article shows that internal transfers of funds to the Treasury do not exempt the Acquiring Agency or Acquiring Authority of interest liability. The paper also highlights the practical implications of delayed compensation, such as financial costs to the exchequer, and offers suggestions on how to ensure that awards are made in time, that the statutory requirements are adhered to, and the capacity building of Land Acquisition officers/officials. Finally, the article underlines that effective application of the Sections 31 and 34 is necessary to fulfill the constitutional right to property, to provide the affected landowners/persons interested with the necessary justice, and the Acquiring Agency fiscal liabilities to the minimum.

Artificial Intelligence in Pakistan’s Criminal Justice System: Policy, Ethics, and Future Directions

2026-01-12T03:25:15+00:00

The current enthusiasm over artificial intelligence (AI) as a criminal justice reform measure has led to the discussion about whether it can lead to efficiency, without threat to fairness and accountability. Some of the long-standing problems faced in Pakistan, including the backlog cases, inadequate resources, and delays in the process, have heightened the interest in AI-enabled software in the police, adjudication, and correction sectors. The article investigates the extent, threats, and regulatory aspects of AI implementation in the criminal justice system of Pakistan based on a qualitative, doctrinal and desk-based research on legal regulations, policy documents and practice comparisons. As it can be seen, AI can be used to assist with investigative, evidence examination, and case handling, and it can possibly help raise the accuracy rates and minimize delays. Meanwhile, such issues as the lack of a specialized regulatory framework, the risks of algorithmic bias, a threat to privacy and due process, insufficient institutional capacity, and biased access to digital infrastructure arise. These issues bring up concerns regarding transparency, accountability and safeguarding of basic rights. The article concludes that AI ought to be implemented as a decision support system and not a replacement of human judgment and should work within the limitations of legal and ethical standards. It concludes that the legal regulation, institutional capacity-building, ethical control, and gradual implementation are a set of measures that make AI adoption responsibilities in Pakistan. The article is relevant to policy and scholarly issues about how to balance technological innovation with the rule of law and human rights by putting AI in the context of the constitutional and socio-legal environment in Pakistan.